Colorado Avalanche Stun San Jose Sharks, Take 1-0 Series Lead

The Western Conference series onlookers expected to have the most predictable ending had the most erratic start. Perplexed fans did the only thing anyone could expect them to do: boo.

Endless talk last summer, through the Olympics, and up until the morning of game one all revolved around whether the Sharks could raise their game to another level after yet another disappointing early round loss. Nothing the Sharks did tonight will help rid their reputation as chokers.

Wounded, inexperienced, and outmatched in nearly every area possible, the Avalanche were able to take game one from the Sharks simply because they wanted it more.

The game was by no means a dominant performance by the Avalanche, but the fact that the game was so close despite an 18-point gap in the standings is what's troubling about the loss.

It's easy to scrutinize bits and pieces of a game come playoff time, so let's not get ahead of ourselves: this was only one game. The Sharks still have everything they had going for them before tonight, the exception being home ice advantage which they relinquished with the loss.

However, the rest of the series sets up two very interesting possibilities.

If the Sharks get their game back on track, but the series goes the distance, will they have any confidence left in them after nearly losing to first round fodder? Contrarily, if the Avalanche manage to win the series against the best team in the West, who's to tell them who they can't beat?

Game two is Friday.